President Tinubu Reshuffles Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy Sector with New Appointments

In a major shakeup of Nigeria's arts, culture, and creative economy sector, President Bola Tinubu has appointed eleven new Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to lead key agencies under the Federal Ministry.

The announcement, made yesterday by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, sees prominent figures from various creative fields taking the helm of crucial institutions.

Among the notable appointments are:

Tola Akerele - Director-General, National Theatre: A renowned artist and administrator, Akerele brings extensive experience in theatre management and cultural exchange to the role.

• Dr. Shaibu Husseini - Director-General, National Films and Censors Board: A veteran filmmaker and academic, Husseini promises to navigate the delicate balance between artistic freedom and societal responsibility.

• Mr. Obi Asika - Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture: A tech entrepreneur and cultural advocate, Asika is expected to leverage his digital expertise to promote Nigerian arts on a global platform.

• Aisha Adamu Augie - Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture: A scholar and curator, Augie aims to strengthen the center's role in preserving and showcasing the rich heritage of the African diaspora.

• Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan - Chief Conservator, National War Museum: A historian and museum expert, Koinyan will work to ensure the museum remains a vital repository of Nigeria's military history.

Other appointments include Ahmed Sodangi as Director-General of the National Gallery of Art, Chaliya Shagaya as Director-General of the National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies, Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana as Artistic Director of the National Troupe of Nigeria, Otunba Biodun Ajiboye as Director-General of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Ali Nuhu as Managing-Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, and Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed as Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

President Tinubu tasked the new appointees with discharging their duties "in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and patriotism" and challenged them to "make the creative sector more vibrant and robust."

This reshuffle is expected to generate significant reactions within the artistic and cultural communities, raising questions about the criteria behind the appointments and their potential impact on the various agencies' mandates. It remains to be seen how the new leaders will shape the future of Nigeria's vibrant creative scene.

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By Bliss Anthony